Clemson Baseball stars Jimmy Obertop and freshman sensation Aidan Knaak led No. 4 Clemson Tigers to a resounding 9-2 triumph over the Pittsburgh Panthers, clinching the series with a captivating display of power and precision.
The stage was set for an unforgettable performance as Obertop stepped up to the plate, delivering not one, not two, but a record-tying three home runs, a feat that etched his name into Clemson baseball history. His achievement made him the 18th player in school history—and the third this season— to launch three balls out of the park in a single game, sharing the spotlight with Will Taylor and Blake Wright. For the weekend Obertop went 7-14 and had a .500 batting average.
While Obertop set the offensive tone, it was Aidan Knaak who stole the show on the defensive side. The freshman right-hander, with a calmness belying his years, pitched 5.2 scoreless innings, displaying a mix of pitches that left the Panthers bewildered. Allowing only four hits, walking two, and striking out eight, Knaak’s masterclass performance was a critical factor in the day’s success, improving his season record to an impressive 4-0 and demonstrating why he is one of the most promising talents in college baseball.
From the onset, Clemson displayed a hunger and determination that signaled their intent. The first inning saw Obertop set the tone with a two-run homer after Wright had reached base due to an error, and the momentum firmly swung in favor of the Tigers.
The strength of Clemson’s batting lineup was on full display in the third and fifth innings, with Hinderleider’s crucial hits contributing to the widening gap between the teams. A double in the third brought in another run, and his solo home run in the fifth underscored Clemson’s dominance.
The Panthers found a glimmer of hope in the eighth, managing to put two runs on the scoreboard thanks to a series of walks and wild pitches. However, any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished by back-to-back solo homers from Wright and Obertop in the bottom of the same inning, sealing a 9-2 victory for the Tigers.
Looking Ahead
With this series win, Clemson has now won 12 of their last 13, a testament to the depth and quality throughout the team. The Tigers’ eyes are now set on their next challenge, a midweek clash against Georgia in Athens on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on ESPNU..
